If you don't already have plans for the long weekend or idling in hours of traffic doesn't sound appealing to you, here's some other options that don't require too much of a trip from the Baltimore area.

1. The Ohio State-Navy game. After suffering a second shoulder injury last week, Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller is out for the 2014 season — which should make things even more interesting for the university's season opener against Navy. The match happens Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium.

2. The Maryland State Fair. The state fair wraps up on Sept. 1, so if you haven't glutted yourself on pit beef sandwiches, deep-fried Berger cookies, Old Bay-dusted corn on the cob and a crabcake-plus-softshell crab sandwiches, then you might consider finding that fix this weekend. Bonuses: Pig racing, bull riding and chainsaw carving.

3. The Maryland Renaissance Festival. Should the state fair be too contemporary for you, the Renaissance Festival is once again in full swing in Crownsville. In addition to theatrical and musical performances, the festival offers jousting, beer, and turkey legs.

4. In Full Glory Reflected: Maryland during the War of 1812. Pay a visit to the Maryland Historical Society to get a jump on bicentennial celebrations by checking out their ongoing exhibit, In Full Glory Reflected. This is where you can find the original 1814 manuscript of Francis Scott Key's "Star-Spangled Banner."

5. See a movie. In addition to the crop of summer blockbusters and art films, you can take the kids to a 30th anniversary showing of "Ghostbusters" at the Senator or to one of the Columbia Association's Lakefront Summer Festival movies, including "The Princess Bride" and "The Lego Movie."

6. Visit a farmers market. We're still reaping the fruits and vegetables of summer's harvest, so consider shopping at one of the many area farmers markets, including those in Waverly, Fells Point, Hampden, Greenspring Station, Hereford, Carroll County, Severna Park and more on Saturday. Sunday's busy too; see a full listing of Maryland's markets on Visit Maryland's website.

7. Go on a brewery or winery tour. Temperatures will be back in the 90s on Sunday. You can cool off with a chilled glass of wine or a cold pint of beer at one of the many vineyards and breweries in the area. I've got my eye on Jailbreak Brewing Co. in Laurel and Black Ankle Vineyards in Mount Airy.

8. Tubing. Get yourself to the Gunpowder or Rocks State Park and plunk yourself in a tire tube or something fancier perhaps — maybe even one with a cupholder and a headrest — and drift down a creek, taking in this exceptional Maryland summer.